Local roundup — Nov. 7, 2023

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Accused in Brandon homicide makes first court appearance

Gabriel Paul Heymans, 44, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Maureen Heymans, 71, marking the city’s fifth homicide of the year.

Heymans appeared in provincial court Monday morning by video from Brandon Correctional Centre.

At the time of his court appearance, Heymans did not have a defence lawyer representing him.

According to police, officers responded to a well-being check at an apartment in the 200 block of McDiarmid Drive shortly before 11 a.m. on Friday.

When they entered the apartment unit, officers found the body of Maureen Heymans, whose death they believe was due to trauma caused by an “edged weapon.” At the time, officers also found Gabriel Paul Heymans in the unit. He was detained and then charged the following day.

Police say the victim and accused are related to each other.

Heymans will remain in custody until his next appearance in Brandon court on Nov. 9.

Break and enter arrest

A 31-year-old woman was arrested on Sunday in connection with a break-in to a home during which a resident was allegedly assaulted.

Shortly after 10 p.m., police responded to a report of a break and enter to a home in the 300 block of 14th Street.

According to police, several people who were known to the homeowner allegedly forced their way into the home, assaulted the resident and stole a cell phone, laptop, and backpack before fleeing.

The resident did not require any medical treatment.

Police later located and arrested one of the suspects, the 31-year-old woman. She was charged with break and enter and uttering threats.

Assault peace officer

A 30-year-old woman in custody at Brandon Correctional Centre was charged after allegedly spitting in the face of a correctional officer.

The woman was arrested and charged with assaulting a peace officer. She remains in custody.

Stolen truck found

Police are asking for more information about a stolen grey 2013 Ford F150 truck that they found parked in the 500 block of Princess Avenue.

The truck had been stolen out of Souris on Oct. 4.

Anyone with information about the stolen vehicle is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345.

Break and enter to garage

Police are looking for more information about a break and enter to a garage in the 400 block of 15th Street on Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., police responded to a report of a break and enter to a residential garage on 16th Street. The suspects allegedly entered through the door and ransacked the inside before stealing old video games and empty beer bottles.

Anyone with information regarding the break-in and theft is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345.

Swan River RCMP respond to fatal collision

A 33-year-old woman from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation was killed on Friday evening after a mini-van allegedly driven by an impaired driver crashed in a ditch on Provincial Road 483.

RCMP say that the mini-van, which was carrying four occupants, crashed into a ditch and rolled, about eight kilometres west of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.

The driver of the van, a 23-year-old woman from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, was not injured and was arrested on an impaired driving causing death charge. Police say that samples of her breath showed her to be over three times the legal limit.

Of the other two surviving passengers, a 22-year-old man, also from the community, and a 38-year-old woman from Swan River were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 23-year-old woman will appear in court on Feb. 7 in Swan River.

Swan River RCMP, along with the Criminal Collision Investigation Team and an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist continue to investigate.

» The Brandon Sun